Teaching: the best job in the world. Yet, increasingly, it is considered one of the toughest professions. In recent years, practices have arisen and become widespread which overcomplicate teaching and increase teacher workload, while only having a marginal impact on pupil learning. "Simplicity Rules" explores how children learn and the…

This leadership framework, based on practices employed by some the nation's most successful principals, can be used to diagnose and address school needs. The framework is excerpted from "Breakthrough Principals" © 2016 by Jean Desravines, Jaime Aquino, Benjamin Fenton, and New Leaders, published by Jossey-Bass, a Wiley brand. The…

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies…

Skillful, scientific observation of even one student having difficulty can give teachers ideas for helping all of their students. Discusses planning observation time, tools for observation, and how to observe students and interpret observations. Provides specific suggestions for five observed behaviors and sources of more information (two…

This book offers suggestions and ideas in definite and practical terms for teaching, evaluating teaching, and improving the school. Problems and possible solutions are discussed in the areas of: (1) classroom order and discipline; (2) teaching the basics; (3) dealing with written work; (4) planning for the class, the unit, and the year; (5) study…

This book applies the latest in brain research and learning theory to classroom management. The concepts of psychoneurophysiology are made readily accessible. The book offers creative data gathering activities to help students manage their own behavior and to help teachers learn how their own behavior impacts the classroom environment. The seven…

After reviewing effective teaching research during the past 20 years, one basic question arises: do teachers make any difference? Specifically, do teachers' classroom practices have any effect on student outcomes beyond the effects of ability and home background? What knowledge of minimal teaching competencies has been gained, and how firm is the…

Guidelines for assessing the classroom environment for optimal student performance cover physical environment, time/instructional management, behavior management, and teacher effectiveness. Vignettes illustrate classroom problems and suggest management solutions. A checklist identifies instructional methods and conditions that positively affect…

Physical education teachers who can efficiently manage time and student behavior have increased academic learning time. Components of an active elementary physical education discipline plan include establishing rules, creating a record-keeping system, determining the procedure for individual and group positive feedback, and determining…

Proper transitions between instructional units are necessary to run physical education classes effectively and minimize student behavior problems. This paper describes the design of a middle school time management plan that included positive reinforcement (public posting and physical activity reinforcement). (SM)

This book presents a guide to help teachers manage the multitude of diverse tasks that make up a busy school day. Practical ideas from classroom teachers help educators organize their time and memory. The book offers checklists, rubrics, forms, charts, and reproducible materials to free teachers from having to remember every detail. There are 12…

This publication, designed for those entering or new to the field of teaching, offers a fresh perspective and practical guidance on how to avoid and deal with a variety of problems common to middle and high school classrooms. The issues of management, routines and procedures, behavioral approaches, and instructional strategies are discussed in the…

This book offers advice on arranging classrooms, diagnosing student behavior, and responding to students' emotional needs, examining intellectual, emotional, and physical challenges students face and providing strategies which help teachers create communities of learners, design classrooms, diagnose student behavior, and respond to student needs.…

Investigates how master music teachers maintain discipline in their classrooms. Suggests the discipline of music and the need to use time effectively encourage disciplined classroom environments. Stresses teachers' ability to balance musical goals with student needs and interests. Notes that students respect these teachers' musicianship and…

This book provides suggestions from teachers and administrators on how to handle everyday issues in the classroom. There are 13 chapters in 4 parts. Part 1, "Preparing Yourself for Teaching," includes: (1) "Fitting in With the Staff"; (2) "Rapport with Your Students"; (3) "Rapport with the Parents"; (4) "Preparing for Those Extracurriculars"; and…